Near and Far

I had a dream that had someone Ive never met, but known online for a few years was in it.

Weird. And I think this same person was in a dream of mine before. Very weird. Particularly since she isnt even in the country.

This got me to thinking about the different people Ive had the privilege to meet, and not met after having known them online.

I am, by nature, on the reclusive side, so I add people to my life grudgingly and rarely bother with the socializing. However, if Ive known someone for over a year say, I tend to consider them a friend with rights and loyalty accorded. To a certain extent, I do that with people Ive met over the Internet, but Im more wary about them. I've learned they are essentially strangers who just happen to know more about me than the average person. Until you have that eye to eye, see them, smell thenm and eyeball their quirks, you can never really truly get to know people.

Over the years, I have met several of these folk in the flesh. Most are who they seem to be, but with the additional subtext of interacting in the flesh. I can think of one who has become a good friend "in real life", but thats about it. There are some Ive never met, and may not ever meet, but I consider them trusted friends, but it is unlikely we will ever meet in person, primarily because of distance.

That said, if it werent for the folk Ive met online - I wouldve never gotten onto this crazy ride Im on... :)